Letter: Fixing D.C. dysfunction

Why the D.C. dysfunction? Today, in 400 of 435 congressional districts it is virtually impossible for a member of the opposing party to win due to the practice of gerrymandering. Therefore, 400 members have little incentive to compromise or work with the opposing party. Once they do compromise, members of Congress are threatened with a primary challenge. With the growth of closed primaries, whereby candidates are forced to run to the extreme in order to get a party nomination, this leads to even further dysfunction. Add in the role of special interest money, lack of term limits and the media which thrives on division in order to hold on to market share, we are led to this perfect storm of dysfunction.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the offices of Sheehan Phinney, 1000 Elm St., 17th Floor, Manchester, there will be a free and open event for the public to discuss these topics and more. The event will include a bipartisan discussion featuring the former comptroller general of the United States, David Walker, as well as Harvard Law School professor Lawrence Lessig. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.